Toy Story in 3D: MSN Review

Released back in 1995 (hard to believe, isn’t it?), Toy Story was the first fully computer animated feature film and the highest grossing movie of that year by a mile. Appealing to children and grown-ups alike, Toy Story was the first film release from Pixar Studios (now part of Disney) and was followed by a string of terrific ‘toons including Monsters Inc., Ratatouille and WALL-E.

An equally wonderful sequel, Toy Story 2, was an even bigger hit and rival studios (such as Dreamworks with its Shrek franchise) rushed to join the fun and grab a slice of the billions of dollars generated by this animated revolution.

 

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So no, it is hardly stretching it to say that this little film (that took a long time to make) had a momentous impact on the way we watch, and others make, movies.

But do we really need to see it again on the big screen? In 3D?

Disney Pixar certainly thinks so – it is kicking off a celebration of talking toys by re-releasing Toy Story 3D on October 2, followed by Toy Story 2 3D on January 22 and culminating in the long-awaited Toy Story 3, which hits theatres on July 23 next year.

Re-releases, like a singer’s fourth album of greatest hits, are generally regarded as cynical money-spinners which leave viewers feeling like they have seen nothing new. Meanwhile, 3D is a concept that is considered gimmicky and, more often than not, disappointing.

We carried this sense of cynicism into the screening room. But we should have had more faith in Director John Lasseter and the people at Pixar, not to mention Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm the piggy bank, Rex, Mr Potato head and the rest of the Toy Story gang.

Disney Pixar has sprinkled the magic dust on Toy Story and seeing it in 3D is an experience as awe-inspiring as the first time viewing. Rather than detract from the originality of this pioneering movie, the 3D technology does the seemingly impossible:  it enhances it.

First of all, though, I was reminded just how good Toy Story is; the endless gags, sublime script, superb voiceovers and, of course, the trail-blazing animation. This reviewer felt the surprise all over again.

And the 3D itself? Magnificent.

It is important to remember that this is not the 3D of old – the 3D that inflicted headaches, robbed a screen of its brightness and haunted viewers with ‘ghost images’ caused by the right eye seeing a bit of what the left eye is seeing, and vice versa.

Disney Digital 3D is special – it impresses when the film starts but you soon forget it is even there. And this type of 3D is deep, falling back into the screen rather than jumping out into the audience – a far more pleasurable experience.

The  concern with 3D is that it can divert attention from the film on offer – especially when the film is this good. Thankfully, Toy Story 3D delivers and is well worth seeing – and what better way to get excited about the third instalment next year.

As space ranger Buzz might say: ” It’s 3D, but not as we know it.“
 

 

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